If you live in a cold climate you might be wondering what are the best cold hardy chicken breeds. Chickens are really good at adapting to cold weather, but there are some breeds that are better suited for cold temperatures than others. Let’s look at the best cold-hardy chickens for your backyard flock.
There are a lot of benefits to keeping chickens. Not only do they produce nutritious eggs, they help to get rid of kitchen waste and bring a lot of joy to their owners.
Another benefit of chickens is how hardy they are. Chickens can survive and thrive in a variety of climates and environments. You will find chickens in many countries and environments around the world.
While chickens can survive in a variety of climates some are better suited for hot climates while others are better suited for cold winters.
Living in the Deep South, I really have to consider breeds that can handle the hot summers we’re known for. Chickens tend to tolerate colder climates better than hot ones.
This is because of their feathering and naturally elevated body temperature. Besides their natural adaptive abilities, there are some other factors that make a chicken more cold-hardy.
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Physical Features That Help a Chicken Tolerate The Cold
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Heavy Body
A chicken’s body size can make a big difference in whether or not they can handle chilly temperatures. Large chickens, particularly dual-purpose breeds like Orpingtons, Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks, and Sussex, have a natural advantage when it comes to staying warm in the winter months.
Their larger bodies help them retain more heat, which is important in cold climates. This is the reason why these large birds are known as good winter layers. They don’t have to use as much energy just to keep warm, so they can focus on egg production.
Another factor here is that large chickens tend to carry more fat compared to smaller-bodied birds. This extra fat acts like insulation, helping them keep their body heat in and the cold out. It’s the same reason why animals like bears store fat before hibernating.
The fat helps them stay warm and provides extra energy reserves when food (or in the case of chickens, energy for laying eggs) becomes scarce during winter. With this natural “padding,” larger birds can handle chilly temperatures better than their smaller counterparts, making them more reliable layers even in the coldest months.
Dual-Purpose Breeds
Dual purpose breeds are those that are bred both for meat and egg production. They are typically bigger, with a lot of body mass. This extra mass means they have more surface area generating heat.
Their large size not only helps them tolerate colder weather but also makes them good egg layers year-round, even when many smaller breeds stop laying because of the cold.
In short, a large chicken with a heavy body is better equipped to thrive in the cold. These large birds keep warm with their extra fat and can continue to lay eggs when temperatures drop, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to raise a good winter layer in a colder climate.
Heavy Feathering
a chicken’s feathering plays a big role in keeping them warm in the winter months. Cold-hardy chicken breeds tend to have dense feathers that provide good insulation, allowing them to handle freezing temperatures better than those with lighter feathering.
For many of these breeds, it’s not just the outer layer of feathers that do the work—many have an undercoat of fluffy feathers that traps body heat and acts like a natural winter coat. This is one of the reasons breeds like Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Cochins are so well-suited for cold climates.
Dense, fluffy feathers create a barrier that keeps the cold air out and the warmth in, especially around a chicken’s core. The thicker the feathering, the better the birds can hold onto body heat. This helps cold-hardy breeds continue with consistent egg production, even when the temperatures drop.
It’s a natural defense mechanism that not only keeps the chickens comfortable but also helps ensure that their energy isn’t wasted on trying to stay warm. That way they can still focus on laying eggs through the winter months.
Feather color can also play a small role in cold tolerance. Darker feathers, for example, can absorb more sunlight, offering some extra warmth during chilly winter days. This is why breeds like the Black Australorp, with its black feathers, tend to do well in cold weather.
Feathered Legs
Feathered legs also give some breeds an advantage in the cold. Breeds like the Brahma and Cochin have feathered feet, which give them an extra layer of insulation. It’s like they’re walking around in natural leg warmers.
Those feathered legs help shield their skin from the cold ground, which is great if they’re out scratching around in the snow or mud. The extra feathers help prevent frostbite on their legs and toes, making these cold hardy breeds even more resilient during the colder months.
Cold-hardy chicken breeds with dense, fluffy feathers and sometimes even feathered legs have a natural advantage in weathering the winter months. They stay cozy, continue laying eggs, and generally thrive in the cold, making them perfect for those living in colder climates.
Small Comb
A chicken’s comb plays an important role in regulating its body temperature, but it also makes the bird vulnerable to frostbite in cold climates. Frostbite occurs when the tissues of the comb, wattles, or other extremities freeze due to exposure to low temperatures, leading to pain, tissue damage, and even loss of part of the comb.
The size and type of a chicken’s comb directly impact its ability to tolerate the cold, with smaller combs being more advantageous in preventing frostbite.
How a Smaller Comb Helps Prevent Frostbite
Combs are made of soft tissue that contains a lot of blood vessels, helping chickens regulate their body temperature by releasing excess heat through the comb. This feature is useful in warm climates, but in cold conditions, large combs become a liability. When temperatures drop below freezing, the blood flow to the comb slows down to conserve warmth, increasing the risk of frostbite.
Smaller combs are less exposed to the cold air, reducing the surface area vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Because there’s less tissue to cool down, chickens with small combs are less likely to experience frostbite. Additionally, breeds with small combs tend to be better insulated overall, with denser feathers and thicker bodies, improving their cold tolerance.
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Types of Small Chicken Combs
There are several types of small combs that help chickens tolerate cold climates the best. These combs are more compact, closer to the head, and less prone to frostbite:
Pea Comb
A pea comb is small, compact, and close to the chicken’s head, making it highly resistant to frostbite. This comb has three small, parallel ridges and is named for its resemblance to a row of peas.
The reduced surface area and the fact that it sits low on the chicken’s head help protect it in freezing weather. Breeds like the Buckeye and Brahma have pea combs, making them well-suited to cold climates.
Rose Comb
A rose comb is wide, flat, and low to the head, which makes it another good choice for cold-hardy breeds. It has a rough, bumpy texture with a spike or tail at the back, and its design allows for better cold tolerance compared to larger, upright combs.
The Wyandotte, known for its excellent cold-hardiness, has a rose comb, as do breeds like the Sebright and Dominique.
Cushion Comb
The cushion comb is a very small, flat comb that sits close to the chicken’s head without any noticeable ridges or points.
This comb provides excellent cold protection because of its minimal exposure to cold air. Breeds like the Chantecler, which was developed specifically for cold Canadian climates, have cushion combs.
Walnut Comb
The walnut comb is another small, compact comb with a wrinkled surface resembling a walnut. It’s medium in size but is still well-suited for cold weather due to its shape and proximity to the chicken’s head, which minimizes exposure.
Silkies, a cold-tolerant breed known for their unique appearance, have walnut combs.
Strawberry Comb
Strawberry combs are small, rounded combs that resemble a strawberry in both shape and texture. Like other small comb types, they sit close to the head, reducing the risk of frostbite. Malay chickens are one of the breeds that sport strawberry combs.
Breeds with larger combs, such as single combs (which are tall and spiked with multiple points), are more susceptible to frostbite in cold weather because their combs are more exposed to the freezing temperatures.
Large combs have more surface area and thus a greater chance of heat loss. When blood flow is reduced to conserve body heat, the tips of large combs can easily freeze, leading to frostbite.
Smaller combs are much better for chickens in cold climates. By reducing the surface area exposed to the cold, small combs help prevent frostbite and allow chickens to better tolerate freezing temperatures.
Pea, rose, cushion, walnut, and strawberry combs are some of the most cold-resistant types, making chickens with these combs more suitable for colder environments.
Best Cold Hardy Chicken Breeds
1. Brahma
If you’re looking for a large, gentle giant that can handle the cold, Brahmas are an excellent choice. With their massive size and feathered legs, Brahmas are well-insulated against winter weather.
They come in several varieties, including Light, Dark, and Buff, and they are slower to mature but lay consistently throughout the year. Brahmas produce around 150 to 200 eggs annually, and they’re a dependable layer even in colder months.
2. Orpington
Orpingtons are a popular choice for cold climates due to their large size and fluffy feathers, which provide great insulation against the cold. Originally from England, this breed is known for its calm temperament and dual-purpose qualities.
They’re great for meat and a steady supply of eggs. Buff Orpingtons, with their golden feathers, are particularly well-known, though the breed comes in several colors. They lay around 200 to 280 brown eggs per year and are great with families and beginner chicken keepers.
3. Cochin
Cochins are another large breed that handles cold weather very well. Having thick plumage, feathered legs, and small combs, they are naturally suited to freezing temperatures. Cochins are not known for prolific egg-laying, averaging around 160 eggs per year, but they make excellent mothers and are frequently used to hatch eggs from other breeds.
My bantam Cochins still lay consistently and have hatched many of my flock members. Their docile and friendly personalities also make them a favorite.
4. Jersey Giant
Thanks to their large bodies, Jersey Giants are naturally better equipped to handle the winter months. Their size allows them to retain more body heat, which is key in colder climates. T
he bigger the bird, the more surface area there is generating warmth, and with the Jersey Giant being one of the largest chicken breeds, it’s a pro at staying warm even during freezing temperatures. This reduces the risk of cold stress, as they are less likely to lose body heat as quickly as smaller breeds.
Additionally, the Jersey Giant has a layer of dense feathers that provides extra insulation. While they may not be as fluffy as some other cold-hardy breeds, their overall feather coverage still works effectively to trap body heat and keep them comfortable. They are able to roost outdoors in colder weather without too much trouble, though, like any breed, they will appreciate a draft-free coop.
5. Australorp
Originating in Australia, Australorps are surprisingly cold-hardy despite coming from a warmer climate. This breed is known for their egg-laying abilities, often producing up to 300 large brown eggs per year.
They’re on many of my lists here on the blog because they’re such a versatile chicken. Their sleek, black feathers may appear delicate, but they provide excellent insulation during cold weather. Australorps are also calm, friendly birds, making them ideal for families and beginners.
6. Buckeye
The Buckeye is a unique American breed that’s known for their excellent cold tolerance and ability to thrive in rough weather. Developed in Ohio, Buckeyes have a distinctive mahogany color and are the only American breed with a pea comb, which helps prevent frostbite.
They are active foragers and good layers, producing around 200 brown eggs per year. Buckeyes are also known for their friendly, curious personalities.
7. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are a well-known, hardy breed that can withstand both cold and heat. Like Australorps they top a lot of lists here on the blog. They are a favorite for chicken keepers because of their ability to lay large brown eggs even in the dead of winter.
Their relatively small combs reduce the risk of frostbite, and their feathers provide adequate warmth. These dual-purpose birds are known for their resilience and adaptability to a variety of conditions. You can expect around 250 to 300 eggs per year from this breed.
8. Wyandottes
Wyandottes are another excellent choice for cold regions. This American breed has dense, glossy feathers that help them retain body heat making them great cold hardy chickens.
They come in a variety of beautiful colors, including Silver Laced and Gold Laced, making them a beautiful addition to your chicken coop. With their rose combs, Wyandottes can handle harsh winters well. They are reliable egg layers, producing around 200 brown eggs annually.
9. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks, also known as Barred Rocks due to their barred feather pattern, are friendly and hardy chickens. Their heavy bodies and thick feathering keep them warm in cold conditions, while their small, compact combs minimize frostbite risk.
They also thrive in warm weather making them very versatile. Plymouth Rocks are excellent layers, producing around 200 to 280 brown eggs annually, even through winter. Their adaptability makes them a great addition to your backyard flock.
10. Sussex
The Sussex is a versatile and hardy breed, thriving in both cold and warm climates. Originating from England, Sussex chickens are known for their excellent foraging abilities and steady egg production, laying up to 250 eggs per year.
They thrive in a free-range environment. They come in several color varieties, with the Speckled Sussex being a popular choice for its striking good looks. Their small combs help protect them from frostbite, and their thick plumage ensures they stay warm in chilly weather.
How to support your flock when the weather gets cold
Supporting your chickens during the winter months requires a few adjustments to keep them healthy and productive. Chickens are pretty hardy, but when the temperatures drop, they can experience cold stress, which affects their overall well-being and egg production.
To help them thrive through the colder weather, you’ll need to make sure their coop, diet, and overall care are ready for the season.
Winter Coop Needs
A chicken’s coop is its primary defense against cold conditions. While chickens can tolerate lower temperatures, a well-prepared coop makes a huge difference. First, it’s important to ensure the coop is draft-free but still ventilated. Good airflow helps reduce moisture buildup inside, which can prevent frostbite, particularly on their combs and wattles.
You want to avoid drafts, especially near roosting areas where the birds sleep, but there should still be enough ventilation to keep the air fresh.
Adding extra bedding, like straw or wood shavings, provides more insulation for your chickens, helping them stay warm. Chickens naturally huddle together for warmth, so make sure there’s enough space for them to do so comfortably.
While some people consider adding supplemental heat, it’s unnecessary for most cold-hardy breeds. However, if your chickens are particularly vulnerable (old gals) or the temperatures drop below freezing regularly, a safe heat source can help.
Just be cautious, as too much heat can cause chickens to struggle with sudden temperature changes when they go outside. Check out more on how to heat a chicken coop without electricity.
Nutrition for Cold Weather
Chickens burn more calories trying to stay warm in cold conditions, so adjusting their diet can help them generate more body heat. During the winter months, feeding your flock a higher protein feed is essential.
Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and growth, but it also helps chickens maintain their body temperature. Look for feeds that have a protein content of around 18-20% during the colder season.
In addition to protein, more carbs in their diet can be beneficial. Carbohydrates are a quick source of energy and can help your chickens build up fat reserves, which act as insulation.
Foods like cracked corn are great for boosting their energy levels. Offering scratch grains before they go to roost at night helps keep their bodies working to digest the food, which generates body heat while they sleep.
Reducing Cold Stress
Make sure your chickens always have access to unfrozen water. Hydration is just as important in winter as it is in summer, but in cold weather, water can freeze quickly. Using a heated water or regularly checking their water supply can prevent dehydration.
Finally, keep an eye on your chickens’ behavior. If they seem lethargic, are losing weight, or stop laying eggs altogether, it could be a sign of cold stress. Providing them with good nutrition and a draft-free coop will help them get through the winter months in good health.
With the right care, chickens can handle cold conditions and continue to be productive, even when the temperatures drop. Just give them a cozy coop, some extra nutrition, and keep an eye on their water, and they’ll be set to face the winter.
Cold Hardy Chicken Breeds–FAQs
Can cold hardy chicken breeds tolerate hot weather too?
A lot of cold-hardy breeds can adapt to a range of temperatures, but they are generally more comfortable in cooler climates. Some, like the Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock, can handle heat reasonably well, but extra care (like shade and plenty of water) should be taken in the summer to keep them cool.
Will cold hardy chicken breeds continue laying eggs in winter?
Many cold-hardy breeds are known for being good winter layers, meaning they continue to produce eggs even when the temperatures drop. Breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, and Wyandottes often maintain egg production in cold conditions, especially if their nutritional needs are met with higher protein and more carbohydrates.
Are there breeds with feathered feet that are better for cold climates?
Yes, breeds with feathered legs, like Brahmas and Cochins, are great for cold weather. Their leg feathers help keep their feet warm, acting as natural insulation against snow and cold ground.
What makes a chicken breed cold-hardy?
Cold-hardy chicken breeds are able to withstand colder temperatures due to traits like dense or fluffy feathering, smaller combs (which are less prone to frostbite), larger body size, and often, an undercoat of feathers that helps trap body heat. These characteristics allow them to handle cold weather more effectively than other breeds.
Final Thoughts On The Best Cold Hardy Chicken Breeds
Choosing the right cold-hardy chicken breed can make a big difference for your flock during the winter months. Breeds like Orpingtons, Wyandottes, Brahmas, and Rhode Island Reds are great at staying warm and continuing to lay eggs even when it’s freezing outside.
With their thick feathers, smaller combs, and larger bodies, these chickens are built to handle the cold. By giving them a cozy coop, good nutrition, and proper care, you can help them thrive all winter long. Whether you live in a cold climate or just want chickens that can handle chilly temperatures, these breeds are some of the best choices.
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